Signs of FMD include depressed animals, sores in the mouths of animals causing a reluctance to eat, and lameness.

Any suspected cases must be reported to the local state veterinarian immediately.

Nkhwenyana said the affected area was under quarantine and no movement of animals and animal products was being allowed.

Farmers further away from the outbreak have been cautioned to observe bio-security measures, which means they must not allow any new animals into their herds, and must minimise the movement of their own herds to other farms.